What do you think of when you hear the term HUMANITARIAN? Today is World Humanitarian Day, a date established by the United Nations 5 years ago to honor and recognize the sacrifices made by aid workers. I admit that the UN isnt on my Top 10 List of most revered organizations. However, having close family involved in the dangerous field of international aid has caused a shift in my perspective. The term humanitarian cant be hijacked by one political party or one belief system. And while it can be celebrated and commemorated by an institution such as the UN, the tenets behind humanitarianism arent affiliated with any particular group. Being altruistic, benevolent, philanthropic - being humane is the basis of humanitarianism, and that crosses all types of political realms. Im proud of those in my family who have made it a full-time life mission to serve others. Thats not everyones calling, and it shouldnt be. Thankfully, being humanitarian is NOT only for those in aid-based careers and it is not diametrically opposed to a belief in free markets or personal responsibility or the age-old question of Should we intervene or not?. Its based on being a good fellow human. So regardless of where you fall politically, regardless of who comes to mind when you think about great humanitarians - from Harriet Tubman to Mother Theresa to Bill Gates - just remember that charity and kindness are game-changers. And Happy World Humanitarian Day, my friends!
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 16:44:42 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015